Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today provided an update on its comprehensive environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), along with a preview of future actions. Among the new initiatives is the review of long-term CO2 emission reduction scenarios. Nissan also announced the introduction of an automatic transmission (AT) model with a clean-diesel engine in the Japanese market, planned for spring 2010.

Nissan already has produced tangible results toward its goal of reducing CO2 emissions, one of the priorities of the NGP 2010. These reductions include development of electric vehicles (EV), introduction of clean diesel and fuel-efficient vehicles, and energy savings in manufacturing, logistics and facilities operations. Along with the mid-term NGP 2010 plan, which was originally announced in December 2006, Nissan is reviewing its long-term CO2 emissions-reduction scenarios. These will be reflected in the next mid-term environmental action plan.

Aiming to be a global leader in zero-emissions vehicles, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has positioned electric vehicles as a core business strategy. The Alliance is accelerating its efforts for vehicle development and for establishing sustainable mobility partnerships in cooperation with governments and municipalities worldwide. The Alliance has 27 such partnerships in place at this time.

Following is an update of actions and results to date, along with a preview of future efforts (underlined):

1. Minimising CO2 Emissions

1-1. Long-term

Nissan will review its long-term scenarios for reducing CO2 emissions. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Fourth Assessment Report*1, global CO2 concentration in the atmosphere should be stabilised below 450 ppm. Nissan estimates – based on the IPCC Report – that the CO2 emissions of all new vehicles in 2050 would need to be reduced by 90% compared to the 2000 level. Based on this scenario, Nissan will conduct a review of its road map for CO2 emissions reduction of new vehicles and reflect it in the next mid-term environmental action plan.

In August 2008, an original EV test vehicle with superb acceleration and dynamic performance was revealed to public.

Between January 2008 and June 2009, the Alliance established 27 “zero-emission mobility partnerships” with governments, municipalities and other sectors around the world for full-scale EV diffusion. Deployment of infrastructure, including charging stations and incentives for zero-emissions vehicle purchases, are being studied. Agreements already have been reached between the Alliance and Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama City in Japan; the State of Tennessee; the State of Oregon; Sonoma County and San Diego in California; Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona; Seattle, Wash.; Raleigh, N.C. and Washington, D.C. in the United States; and Israel, Portugal, Monaco, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In April 2007, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) was jointly established by Nissan, NEC Corporation and NEC TOKIN Corporation to supply lithium-ion batteries to automotive manufacturers around the world for electric-vehicle applications.

AESC aims to be a leader in battery technology. AESC produces laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which deliver twice the power and capacity compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries of the same mass. It will market the battery products to automotive manufacturers around the world for use in electric-powered vehicles (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles).

1-3. Manufacturing/Logistics

During FY2007 and FY2008, per-unit CO2 emission from all the Nissan plants was globally reduced by 10% (compared to 2005 level). The reduction target was 7%.

In the area of logistics, global CO2 emissions were measured in FY2006 and its comprehensive management started in FY2007.

2. Reducing Other Emissions

2-1. Product and Technology

In September 2008, a new clean diesel X-TRAIL "20GT," fitted with the Alliance-developed “M9R” engine, was introduced in Japan. This was the first vehicle to meet the Japan's stringent "Post New Long-term Regulations." An automatic transmission-equipped (AT) model will be added in the Japan market in spring 2010.

In July 2007, an ultra-low precious metal catalyst for gasoline vehicles was developed. This unit provides cleaner emissions and utilises half the amount of precious metals compared with conventional catalysts. In November 2008, an ultra-low precious metal catalyst was introduced on the new Cube. This is the first production vehicle in the world to employ the application.

3. Recycling Resources

3-1. Manufacturing/Logistics

A 100% resource recovery rate was achieved in five Nissan plants, one office and three affiliated manufacturing companies in Japan in FY08.

3-2. End of Life Vehicles

Achieved recovery rate of 95.7% in Japan in FY08.

4. Working with Society

4-1. Promoting reduction of CO2 emissions in cooperation with governments, municipalities, other companies and research institutes utilising Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)

In March 2009, Nissan and Yokohama City jointly embarked on YOKOHAMA Mobility “Project ZERO,” aiming at reducing CO2.

4-2. Raising public awareness of eco-driving4-2-1. Expansion of eco-driving support services for customers utilising the Nissan CARWINGS navigation system in Japan

In January 2007, introduced monthly eco-driving rankings and an eco-driving information service. In February 2008, a new eco-driving support service, “Eco-Drive and You,” was introduced, in which drivers can monitor the vehicle’s fuel consumption and their eco-driving habits on-board.

In September 2008, a test of eco-driving support service began, which advised drivers on more fuel-efficient driving methods through ITS.

4-2-2. Development of technologies to support eco-driving

In August 2007, expanded the adoption of a fuel efficiency gauge to include all new models and current models undergoing minor product updates. In August 2008, announced the development of a new “ECO Pedal,” which is being added to the new Infiniti M (Fuga in Japan) being launched in FY09. In May 2009, an eco-driving support system*2, featuring technology advancements such Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and engine modulation, was installed in 2WD models of Tiida, Tiida Latio, Cube, Note and Wingroad in Japan. In addition, the CARWINGS ECO support system was adopted in Tiida and Tiida Latio.

4-2-3. Promotion of eco-driving

In FY2008, eco-driving lectures were conducted at Nissan’s Oppama test course, the GRANDRIVE and various other events in Japan. Customers could check their levels of eco-driving techniques and receive advice from Nissan driving experts.

In FY2009, in cooperation with local governments in Japan, a fuel efficiency competition (“E-1 Grand Prix”) will be launched as an eco-driving promotion activity in which customers can compete with each other on fuel efficiency, learn eco-driving techniques and develop an eco-driving mindset.

Nissan has been addressing a wide range of actions under “Blue Citizenship” which represents the company's desire to protect the blue planet and to be a corporate citizen that can live symbiotically with people and society. These efforts range from such global issues as the environmental protection to contribution to communities, promoting diversity and making personal mobility available to as many people as possible. Nissan continues promoting the “Nissan Green Program 2010,” based on the “Blue Citizenship” spirit by introducing effective technologies, products and services into the market.